The primary objective of this guide is to help librarians select adult services reference tools which cover many different topics, with special emphasis on recent social and technological changes. Arrangement is topical, with particular attention given to the following topics: AIDS, abortion, the environment, economic problems, the crisis in public education, ethnic minorities, women, and area studies. Databases and CD-ROMs are emphasized; hard copy and electronic versions of reference works are listed, if both formats are available. Section 1, "Reference Sources," is a bibliography that lists 678 annotated items plus 208 additional sources in notes, which appear after relevant entries or subsections. The notes list supplemental titles on subjects in high demand; suggest less expensive titles serving the same purpose; identify works on related topics; or provide additional information about the subject area. A buying guide appears at the end of each chapter, suggesting when and in which order to purchase materials. Section 2, "Reference Services," consists of ten essays that focus on planning and managing reference services, and on situations and problems frequently encountered by reference librarians, each followed by titles for further reading. A subject index for section 2 concludes the guide. (MAS)

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